• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

$2 billion ‘kentucky kickback’ in budget

Imnukingfutz

DP Veteran
Joined
Dec 3, 2011
Messages
1,154
Reaction score
432
Location
Kingdom of Nigh
Gender
Undisclosed
Political Leaning
Libertarian
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.

Congress has no pork barreling

Don't they know that pork grease keeps the wheels of government rolling. Maybe that's why the Speaker has a hard time getting the votes he needs. No grease to spread around
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.
Well, being men of deep and true principles, I am sure the Senate Majority and the President rejected this flat out...I mean, for one, they said they would take nothing but a clean CR, right?

So, the Republicans are morons for not letting the Majority leader and Prez take us over the cliff, which they surely would have done for the sake of this stinker of a health discarding plan and its associated, non-competitively bidded, actual piece of also stinking, sinking cow manure chips software package .... how is that sign-up going for obamadon'tcare anyhow...?? You wanna talk morons, 3 years, about $600 million over budget and its working like a dream right? SMooooooTHhhh, eh? No problems?
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.

McConnell is certainly white as fallen snow.
 
Well, being men of deep and true principles, I am sure the Senate Majority and the President rejected this flat out...I mean, for one, they said they would take nothing but a clean CR, right?

So, the Republicans are morons for not letting the Majority leader and Prez take us over the cliff, which they surely would have done for the sake of this stinker of a health discarding plan and its associated, non-competitively bidded, actual piece of also stinking, sinking cow manure chips software package .... how is that sign-up going for obamadon'tcare anyhow...?? You wanna talk morons, 3 years, about $600 million over budget and its working like a dream right? SMooooooTHhhh, eh? No problems?
It didn't cost $600 million for the ACA exchange website. That number is being reported erroneously. That number actually represents all government contracts that company has ever done.

Not that we got a good deal on the site. Government contracting is universally corrupt, but for some reason the right-wing never criticizes the military industrial complex when bitching about government waste.
 
It didn't cost $600 million for the ACA exchange website. That number is being reported erroneously. That number actually represents all government contracts that company has ever done.

Not that we got a good deal on the site. Government contracting is universally corrupt, but for some reason the right-wing never criticizes the military industrial complex when bitching about government waste.

Funding our army isn't wasteful spending.
 
Funding our army isn't wasteful spending.

So you're so naive as to believe that there's no way for anything to be considered wasteful spending as long as it's spent on the Army? God you're green. I hope you don't have children.
 
Well, being men of deep and true principles, I am sure the Senate Majority and the President rejected this flat out...I mean, for one, they said they would take nothing but a clean CR, right?

Being absolutely pure in his motives, I'm surprised that McConnell didn't turn it down :roll:
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.

Many on the left accuse conservatives of not supporting infrastructure spending. So libs pay attention... This is the kind of stuff conservatives object to. It's not the dam that's the problem, hell it may actually need repair, It's the way the funding is appropriated. Special deals and over funding, sending a glut of cash into a powerful senator's state; Who btw, just had an opponent from the right declare his intention to run against McConnell. It's this kind of self dealing, that creates opposition to infrastructure projects.
The Insiders: Mitch McConnell faces personal risk in saving the GOP
 
Funding our army isn't wasteful spending.

So you think the military should get a blank check? Yes, there are some things that they military has spent on that IS wasteful spending.
 
So you think the military should get a blank check? Yes, there are some things that they military has spent on that IS wasteful spending.

Did I say that?
 
Congress has no pork barreling

Don't they know that pork grease keeps the wheels of government rolling. Maybe that's why the Speaker has a hard time getting the votes he needs. No grease to spread around

There should not be "grease" to spread around. That "grease" is part of the reason we are $17 Trillion in debt, that "grease" is part of the reason we cant get rid of lousy politicians who have entrenched themselves with our money. That "grease" is part of the reason we are in the shape we are in as a country.
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.

Here's a perfect example of media not giving you the FULL story and because of that, ignorant people have jumped to false conclusions. It's appears now to be fully funded.

Construction stages

The project will be constructed using several construction
contracts with completion scheduled for the year 2016.

The current plan calls for the following contracts:

(1) Access Road/Resident Engineer's Office — The
construction of the road and the office was the first construction
contract for the project. The contract was awarded November
1992, and construction completed June 1994
.
(2) Lock Cofferdam — This cofferdam was used to
construct the locks and make connection to the Illinois shore.
The contract was awarded in May 1993, and construction
was completed in December 1995, at a cost of approximately
$58 million.

(3) Prototype at Smithland Locks and Dam — The
prototype facility was constructed to verify the design of
the dam and aid in the selection of materials. Construction
began in 1994, and work was completed in December 1995.
The Corps is conducting tests at this facility.

(4) Locks — The construction contract for the twin
1,200-foot lock chambers was awarded in December 1995
and completed in March 2002 for $271,500,000.

(5) Bulkheads --- The construction contract to fabricate
the operation and maintenance bulkhead was awarded
in September 2001 for $24.2 million. The installation of the
operating bulkheads was completed in 2005.

(6) Lock Approach Walls — The Corps awarded the
contract for the approach walls in September 1999 for $98.9
million. The approach wall work was completed in March
2004.

(7) Boat Ramp Relocation — The Village of Olmsted
boat ramp has been relocated downstream of its former location.
The construction contract for the new ramp was awarded
in June 2001 and was completed in October 2002.

(8) Buildings and Grounds — Operational buildings will
be constructed on the service mound adjacent to the locks.

(9) Dam — The dam was designed by Jacobs/Gerwick
JV. The construction contract for the tainter gates and navigable
pass dam was awarded in January 2004 to Washington
Group/Alberici. The construction of the dam is scheduled for
completion in 2020.

(10) Demolition of Locks and Dams 52 and 53 — When
all the features of the Olmsted Locks and Dam are constructed,
Locks and Dams 52 and 53 will be removed.

http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Portal...prehensive.pdf
 
There should not be "grease" to spread around. That "grease" is part of the reason we are $17 Trillion in debt, that "grease" is part of the reason we cant get rid of lousy politicians who have entrenched themselves with our money. That "grease" is part of the reason we are in the shape we are in as a country.

Hmm - I forget irony doesn't do well in text form. I was being facetious.
 
Many on the left accuse conservatives of not supporting infrastructure spending. So libs pay attention... This is the kind of stuff conservatives object to. It's not the dam that's the problem, hell it may actually need repair, It's the way the funding is appropriated. Special deals and over funding, sending a glut of cash into a powerful senator's state; Who btw, just had an opponent from the right declare his intention to run against McConnell. It's this kind of self dealing, that creates opposition to infrastructure projects.
The Insiders: Mitch McConnell faces personal risk in saving the GOP

McConnell is not a Conservative, He is a Liberal Republican.

Him, McCain, Graham, Cantor, Christie, Boehner, Romney...the list goes on and on. These are the ones why nothing can be done about Washington.
 
Here's a perfect example of media not giving you the FULL story and because of that, ignorant people have jumped to false conclusions. It's appears now to be fully funded.

A major jump in the ticket price there mtm.

As the OP stated, A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000...

The timing of the "funding" doesnt raise any suspicion to you?
The price jump doesnt raise suspicion to you?
 
Many on the left accuse conservatives of not supporting infrastructure spending. So libs pay attention... This is the kind of stuff conservatives object to. It's not the dam that's the problem, hell it may actually need repair, It's the way the funding is appropriated. Special deals and over funding, sending a glut of cash into a powerful senator's state; Who btw, just had an opponent from the right declare his intention to run against McConnell. It's this kind of self dealing, that creates opposition to infrastructure projects.
The Insiders: Mitch McConnell faces personal risk in saving the GOP

That's how politics is done. Pork Barrel spending is typically how folks that aren't old or dirt poor get their piece of the pie. Those construction workers are probably happy, those business owners that benefit are happy, the citizens of Kentucky should be happy that benefit from that damn. Granted....I believe there needs to be some sort controls...but this idea that all pork barrel spending is bad or that using it to get votes is bad is just ridiculous. If pork Barrel spending doesn't occur Congress just panders to ideologues.
 
What jd1 doesn't realize is that the Ohio River is between IL and KY for this dam..
That's how politics is done. Pork Barrel spending is typically how folks that aren't old or dirt poor get their piece of the pie. Those construction workers are probably happy, those business owners that benefit are happy, the citizens of Kentucky should be happy that benefit from that damn.
There were 6 other add-ons, such as the payment to Sen. Lautenberg's widow, none egregious
I believe there needs to be some sort controls...but this idea that all pork barrel spending is bad or that using it to get votes is bad is just ridiculous.
Amen to this live-on-ramen..
If pork Barrel spending doesn't occur Congress just panders to ideologues.
I would add that the USA would cease to exist, like my IKE Interstates .
 
Funding our army isn't wasteful spending.

Virtually everything we purchase for the operation of said army is. It's not the salaries and pensions and combat pay.

It's the suppliers. It's the bullets, the tanks, airplanes, hell, the ****ing pens. We grossly overpay, because our contracting system is ridiculous. And it was easy to determine that is what I was talking about.
 
Last edited:
McConnell is not a Conservative, He is a Liberal Republican.

Him, McCain, Graham, Cantor, Christie, Boehner, Romney...the list goes on and on. These are the ones why nothing can be done about Washington.

I think he is a power whore more than any ideology.
 
That's how politics is done. Pork Barrel spending is typically how folks that aren't old or dirt poor get their piece of the pie. Those construction workers are probably happy, those business owners that benefit are happy, the citizens of Kentucky should be happy that benefit from that damn. Granted....I believe there needs to be some sort controls...but this idea that all pork barrel spending is bad or that using it to get votes is bad is just ridiculous. If pork Barrel spending doesn't occur Congress just panders to ideologues.

Exactly right, but that is why we do not have representatives that are fiscally responsible. Benefit a few key constituents and to hell with the country as a whole.
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.

See what democrats will allow to get their way? we were better off with no deal. This is how DC works and has always worked
 
I don't really care that Kentucky is getting money; better than spending it on global police actions. What I do care about is that the one party that actually pretends to care about the debt will only consider addressing it from one side. Do we need to cut spending? Yeah. Should tax increases be part of the solution as well? Yeah.
 
Mitch McConnell Accused of Sneaking in $2 Billion ‘Kentucky Kickback’ in Budget, Debt Limit Deal

Well, the Republicans caved in and ran away with their tails between their legs over the budget negotiations. The stupid idiots allowed the Continuing Resolution debate to be combined with the Debt ceiling debate...morons.

But thats not the reason I posted this. It looks like McConnell's home state is getting a special present out of all this.

A damn project that was slated to get $775,000,000 of Federal monies somehow got bumped to $2,918,000,000.

No wonder McConnell was so gung ho to pass the deal...screw our budget, Kentucky is getting $3 Billion for a project originally slated to get $775 Million. I wonder if the Contracting company that is building the damn is any kin, friend or large campaign donor of McConnell's.

And we wonder why the country is in the economic shape it is in.

I'm pretty pissed about this if it's true.
 
Back
Top Bottom